Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk
Sat, Aug 8, 2026, 2:00 AM MST
- Type
- Run
Sign up and verify details on the organizer's official page.
Race feel
Run Flagstaff's oldest race, a challenging and scenic high-elevation half marathon and 5K, all to benefit youth mentoring programs.
- Scenic
- For a Cause
Scenic
For a CauseJoin Flagstaff's enduring tradition at the 49th annual Dave McKay Memorial Half Marathon and 5K. This challenging, high-elevation trail event offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks as you climb Observatory Mesa. It's a walker-friendly experience with an early start option for those who wish to take their time. All proceeds directly support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff's vital mentoring programs, making your participation meaningful. Embrace the challenge and contribute to a great cause.
What to expect
- Experience a challenging trail course with significant elevation gains and spectacular views.
- Half marathoners receive a commemorative finisher's medal, while all participants get a colorful long-sleeved shirt and free digital photos.
- Enjoy a complimentary pre-race pizza party and a walker-friendly early start option for the half marathon.
From the organizer
On August 8th, join Flagstaff's oldest race, and the 2nd oldest half marathon in Arizona sponsored by Kinney Construction Services ! This year we are hosting our 49th annual race on our challenging and breathtakingly beautiful course. All half marathon participants will get a commemorative finisher's medal similar to last year's popular design. Both 5k or half participants will receive a $34 Sweatvac Hi-Tech colorful long-sleeved shirt, free digital race photos, and admission to the FREE August 7th Fratelli's pre-race pizza party located in their Party Room directly behind their 4th Street restaurant (2120 N Fourth Street). Kid's Dash participants will get a medal. See photos and the last year's race!
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Half Marathon and 5K are walker-friendly events! Those who would like to take their time on our beautiful but challenging half-marathon course, there is a 6 AM start. While you will receive a chip time and finisher's medal, you will not be eligible for age division awards. For many reasons, we do not allow dogs on the course during the race.
Our beautiful course starts at Thorpe Park and climbs the steep urban trail onto Observatory Mesa (where astronomers discovered Pluto) and follows dirt roads on with spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks. Elevations range between 6957 ft at the start, to 7731 ft near the 7.5 mile mark! Most of the climbing is done over the first 1.25 miles, so pace yourself. If you are from lower elevations, heed the race director's advice and power walk!!!! You will easily make up the time over the rest of the course! The 5K is also on Observatory Mesa. ALL proceeds benefit BBBSF Mentoring Programs that create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
The race is also part of the 22nd annual Flagstaff Running Series value package of five of Flagstaff's most iconic foot races. You can save big on the Series package of races by registering for one-stop shopping at https://runsignup.com/Race/AZ/Flagstaff/FlagstaffRunSeries
PARTNER RACE: OCTOBER 10th SOULSTICE MOUNTAIN TRAIL RUN 30K/18K/10K
Awards
Race Photos